Natural Fractures Characterization and In Situ Stresses Inference in a Carbonate Reservoir—An Integrated Approach

Ali Shafiei, Maurice B. Dusseault, Ehsan Kosari and Morteza N. Taleghani
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Ali Shafiei: Department of Petroleum Engineering, School of Mining and Geosciences, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
Maurice B. Dusseault: Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
Ehsan Kosari: Research Institute for Earth Sciences, Geological Survey of Iran, P.O. Box 13185-1494 Tehran, Iran
Morteza N. Taleghani: National Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC), P.O. Box 13185-1494 Tehran, Iran

Energies, 2018, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-26

Abstract: In this paper, we characterized the natural fracture systems and inferred the state of in situ stress field through an integrated study in a very complex and heterogeneous fractured carbonate reservoir. Relative magnitudes and orientations of the in-situ principal stresses in a naturally fractured carbonate heavy oil field were estimated with a combination of available data (World Stress Map, geological and geotectonic evidence, outcrop studies) and techniques (core analysis, borehole image logs and Side View Seismic Location). The estimates made here using various tools and data including routine core analysis and image logs are confirmatory to estimates made by the World Stress Map and geotectonic facts. NE-SW and NW-SE found to be the dominant orientations for maximum and minimum horizontal stresses in the study area. In addition, three dominant orientations were identified for vertical and sub-vertical fractures atop the crestal region of the anticlinal structure. Image logs found useful in recognition and delineation of natural fractures. The results implemented in a real field development and proved practical in optimal well placement, drilling and production practices. Such integrated studies can be instrumental in any E&P projects and related projects such as geological CO 2 sequestration site characterization.

Keywords: naturally fractured carbonate reservoirs; fracture characterization; in situ stress geological inference; geomechanics; image logs; outcrop studies; seismic methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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